Case Study: Nassau County Family & Matrimonial Court

Written By Swell Agency

Project Overview

Located in the heart of Mineola, NY, the Nassau County Family & Matrimonial Court underwent a significant renovation to become a modernized, secure hub for legal services. The four-story, 240,000-square-foot facility, designed by Perkins Eastman, now houses 36 courtrooms, the County Sheriff’s department and Long Island’s first Family Justice Center, a dedicated space offering services to domestic violence survivors.

The project required a carefully orchestrated security and life safety plan that could address the unique operational demands of a high-traffic government building while protecting vulnerable populations and supporting multiple agencies under one roof.

The SMS Approach

Security Management Systems (SMS) was engaged to provide a comprehensive, fully integrated solution covering fire protection, access control, surveillance and intercom communications. With a focus on both scale and precision, SMS designed and installed systems that serve the building’s complex needs. This ensures safety, accountability and operational efficiency across courtrooms, detention areas, staff offices and public service spaces.

Technology Highlights

  • Over 2,000 Edwards Kidde addressable fire alarm devices with voice evacuation, including smoke, heat and duct detectors, as well as over 1,000 speaker/strobes for clear building-wide communication

  • A Genetec access control system with 280+ readers managing doors, garage roll-up gates and barrier arms for sheriff and staff zones

  • A robust Genetec video surveillance network featuring 320+ cameras for complete site coverage

  • An Aiphone intercom system with master and door stations integrated with Genetec to enable secure communication and access control across multiple entry points

Results

The finished system offers more than physical protection—it provides peace of mind to court personnel, legal teams and the public. With fully integrated systems and future-ready infrastructure, SMS delivered a solution that balances daily function with emergency preparedness. The Family & Matrimonial Court now operates with a high level of visibility, control and responsiveness — setting a new standard for courthouse security in New York State.

Swell Agency